Overview
China’s renowned ancient Silk Road traverses many different provinces including Sichuan, Xianjiang, Xinjiang, Qinghai, Tibet, Gansu and Inner Mongolia which can present an amazing array of cultural, historical, geographical and natural beauty unparalleled in the world. The Silk Road Experience Tours offer an amazing experience and opportunity for visitors to explore the Middle Kingdom with some of its best-preserved monuments, temples, mosques, pagodas, and other ancient sites along one of the most famous cultural routes. During the tour travelers will trek through the ancient pathways, visit lively markets, enjoy diverse rural scenes and interact with friendly locals along the way.
The Silk Road
The Silk Road is a pathway stretching from the East to the West. The most notable example is the Chinese Silk Road, an ancient trade route connecting the East and the West from about 116 BC to about 1453 AD. It was a journey that allowed the Silk Road traders to bring exotic goods, like silk, spices, and tea, from the East to the West, with equally valuable goods moving in the other direction. The route was often treacherous, though it wasn’t only about trading; in its time, it connected many different cultures and served as a bridge between Eastern and Western civilizations.
Tour Itinerary
A Silk Road tour allows you to bask in the past and visit some of the remarkable tourist sites from Beijing to Inner Mongolia. Tour activities can include traditional Chinese tea ceremonies, martial arts demonstrations, visits to museums, Uyghur ethnic cultural performances, the Mogao Grottoes in Gansu, and the Great Wall of China. Tours can begin in Beijing followed by Xian and the terracotta warriors, then heading southwest through the Tibetan countryside to the Temple Caves of Dunhuang, before heading north through the Gobi Desert, then finally east to the coast.
China’s Cultural & Natural Wonders
The Silk Road Tour offers visitors a chance to learn about ancient Chinese culture and to admire its stunning landscapes. As you travel along the road you will find amazing cities such as Xian – home to the world-famous terracotta warriors, Turpan – an oasis town in the middle of the Gobi desert, and Kashgar – a bustling city in the heart of the Silk Road. You will also have the chance to witness incredible natural beauty throughout the Silk Road, which includes vast deserts, soaring mountains, winding rivers, unique local cultures, and many important historical sites like the Flaming Mountains in Turpan.
Accommodation & Transportation
Accommodation is provided by comfortable lodges along the way and transport is by comfortable air-conditioned buses. There’s also the opportunity for camel rides, horse-cart rides, cultural and local knowledge presentations while on the tour. The tour is also accompanied by friendly staff who will teach you about the area’s cultural and historical treasures.
Safety & Personal Support
The Silk Road tours provide safe and reliable travel solutions for visitors, and also ensure the safety and personal support of all travelers throughout the journey. The tour guides are knowledgeable and experienced in the logistics of the tour, and ensure that all needs are taken care of, both in terms of route planning and safety.
Pros & Cons
The main pro of taking a Silk Road tour is the ability to explore the ancient culture and unique vistas that the route offers. It’s an ideal opportunity to experience the real China away from the hustle and bustle of the cities. However, the main con is that the journey can be long and arduous due to a combination of altitude changes and long distances between destinations.
Travel Expenses
The cost of a Silk Road tour varies depending on the length and type of tour. A standard tour will usually cost upwards of a thousand dollars, while more in-depth tours can run between three to five thousand dollars per person. Of course, the prices depend on the accommodations, transportation, and activities included within the tour.
Steady Departures
The Silk Road tours are usually offered with a steady departure schedule, so that travelers can easily book in advance. It is a popular tourist route, so it’s important to plan well ahead of time. There are tour providers who offer custom-made tours in case travelers wish to modify their itinerary.
Booking Process
The booking process for a Silk Road tour involves providing personal information, selecting tour dates, and making payment. Many tour providers offer online or telephone booking, but it’s also possible to book through a travel agency. In either case, travelers should make sure that the tour operator is reputable and reliable.
Security & Sanitary Standards
When booking a Silk Road tour, travelers should ensure that the tour operator adheres to security and sanitary standards. Tour operators should provide travelers with comprehensive information about their accommodation and transportation, as well as any vaccinations and visa requirements.
Average Group Size
The average group size for a Silk Road tour is usually between ten-to-fifteen travelers, although, larger or smaller groups can be accommodated depending on the tour operator. Apart from the tour guide, other support personnel such as driver, cook, and security personnel may also be included.
Tour Guide
The Silk Road tours often have an experienced tour guide who is knowledgeable about the route and its attractions. The tour guide will often provide information about local cultures and sites, as well as making sure that the travelers are safe and comfortable throughout the journey.
Conclusion
The Silk Road experience offers an exciting and unique way to explore the Middle Kingdom. It provides an excellent opportunity to witness diverse cultural and natural wonders, and to discover the rich history of an iconic cultural route. With the right tour operator, travelers can enjoy a safe and enjoyable journey along this ancient path.
